We need to welcome every criticism of Quraan, Islam and the
Prophet and deal with it with grace. Let freedom of speech be the corner stone
of Islam.

Islam is not going anywhere; prophet is not going anywhere,
and by opening ourselves up to criticism, we will learn a lot more about our
faith than we would ever know. We need to move away from intolerance to
acceptance of a different point of view without having to agree with it.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) lived through it and Muslims can learn from his
examples.

Criticism can fade away or rain on us depending on how
Muslims respond to it. Lack of
conviction in one's faith breeds intolerance towards criticism, whereas
firmness in faith can lead us to learn from criticism, explore the infinite
wisdom and realize the strength of our faith (Imaan); a worthy feeling to have,
instead of living in doubt and shooing criticism away.

You may ask, "Why are you presenting a different point
of view, and why should I believe you?" The great scholars from the past
have done it, and what is the need for me to learn?

I will ask you, "Why wouldn't you review the work of
Tariq Ramadan, Hamza Yusuf, Ziauddin Sardar, Wahiduddin Khan, Javed Ahmed
Ghamidi, Asghar Ali Engineer, Chandra Muzaffar, and a host of other critical
Muslim thinkers? Why should you believe every word of Maududi, Banna and
others? Isn't Islam for all times and all people?

Way back in 1967, my sister had asked me, if I knew more than
Allama Iqbal? That question has never left my mind, and I had to scramble for
the answer, the answer was a definite no, but I did not want to discard
individual responsibility of not learning and knowing it on my own. I was
always stuck with one of the most powerful sentences from Prophet Muhammad's
(pbuh) last sermon, "I leave behind two things, the Qur'an and the Sunnah
and if you follow these you will never go astray." The responsibility to
know was placed directly on us.

Like all Mothers, my Mother taught me responsibility, she
said, "if you do wrong, you alone will get punished and not your brother
who might have instigated you, it is not what he said, but it is how you
respond that matters to me". She would invariably add, "On the Day of
Judgment, you stand alone, there will be no one for you, as each one will be
busy in reflecting his or her own deeds."

The Qur'an repeatedly reinforces the paramount principle of
faith: "O You who believe, on you rests (the responsibility) of your
souls"(Q5:105) and (Q53:38), "that no bearer of burdens shall be made
to bear another's burden." The picture was clear to me.

I don't wish this for others, but the best thing that has
ever happened to me was walking away from Islam and Quraan when I was 15. I
made the same mistake that every maligner of Islam makes; reading the wrong
translations of Quran and blaming the religion for it. After 30 years of
searching for the truth on my own as the Prophet had advised "to read the
book", I found the truth. Islam is an inclusive faith, it is about
co-existence, it is a faith that appreciates all of God's creation and urges
one to respect the otherness of others (Quran 109:6) without having to agree,
it explicitly says (Quraan 49:13), that all of us are his creation, created to
be different, and that we have to learn about each other to mitigate the
conflicts and nurture goodwill. Today, I am proud to be a believer, not a blind
one, but a critical believer in Islam.

The Critical thinking has given me inordinate confidence to
the point of challenging Pastor Jeffress in Dallas, that if he finds three
faults in Quraan, I will convert to his faith, and if he cannot, all I asked of
him was to become a blessed peacemaker and work with me in mitigating conflicts
and building a cohesive America, where all of us can aspire to live without the
fear of the other. He backed off as we returned the bad challenge with the
request to reason and finding the truth. We held a Quraan Conference with ten
Non Muslim Clergy on the panel and four Muslims including Imam Zia Shaikh, Dr.
Basheer Ahmed, Imam Shakoor and Brother Hamid Shaikh, and I moderated the
event. A full accounting of the event, including media interviews and the
program is recorded in details at
www.QuraanConference.com

When you have an issue with your spouse and child, you don't
scream and shut them down; the problem will not go away unless you face it and
solve the issue. When people accept the solutions willingly, we will have
peace. Isn't that Islam is all about, freedom?

Indeed, we must gracefully respond to every criticism of
Quraan, Islam and the Prophet and I have the patience to welcome it.

Aren't we supposed to learn and know each other to mitigate
conflicts and create the kingdom of heaven right here on the earth, while
waiting to go the next heaven? Didn't God say, the best among you is the one
who learns about the other (49:13), so the myths, phobias and fears can be
dismantled?

I urge fellow Muslims to open to all the criticism with
confidence, don't shut it, and let freedom of speech be the corner stone of
Islam. Islam stands on its own; it does not need our defense, and it is silly
to protect God or the Prophet, they are not weaklings or our property to
protect, they belong to the whole universe, don't they?

Muhammad Yunus, a Muslim thinker and a writer at New Age
Islam responds, "Doesn't the
Qur'an repetitively say, "repel evil with good" (13:22, 23:96,
41:34). Shouldn't you take the opportunity to demonstrate the good in your
faith and remove the cloud of hatred that is forming by the twin growing
menaces of the day: Islamophobia and Radicalization? Inscribe on the facade of
your mosques in bold and golden letters, the verses of the Qur'an that
demonstrate the divine scheme on religious pluralism - 2:62, 2:136, 4:124,
5:69, 22:17, 64:9, 65:11 for example.

Tell the believing world by visual display on billboards at
all Islamic centers that the divine Light is lit in all places of pure worship
(24:35) and God's name is proclaimed regularly in monasteries, churches,
synagogues and mosques (22:40). Inform the atheist and all categories of
non-believers that they all are recipients of a portion of divine spirit
(15:29, 32:7-9, 38:72) and God will judge them as well along with the believing
humanity (22:17). Tell the whole world that however they demonize our Prophet,
we must ignore them as this is an article of faith for us (6:112, 25:31).

Dr. Tariq Cheema of World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists,
adds another point of view, "the Muslim scholars and intellectuals around
the world must rise to the challenge and offer guidance to the faith-loving
masses on how to encounter the exploitation of freedom of speech, which is
often quite provocative and insulting. On the other hand every one must strive
for a legislation that guards the sanctity of all religions and their Prophets,
scriptures, and symbols alike."

Prioritizing Sunnah

The most important Sunnah (Prophet's example) and the first
Sunnah is to be the Amin; the trust worthy (81:21), the truth teller and
someone who mitigates conflicts and nurtures good will for the peaceful
coexistence of his or her neighbors, communities, tribes and nations.

That was the first example of Muhammad (pbuh) to be a good
citizen, wasn't it? Wasn't that the first model prophet had set up for one to
follow? Mind you, he was called Amin by non-Muslims. Shouldn't we start with
the same first foot forward? To be good citizens, whether in Pakistan, America,
Saudi Arabia, China or Indonesia, we have to earn it by being a participant and
a contributor towards the wellbeing of the nation. Your presence should relax
others, and make them comfortable that you are a peacemaker and they can trust
you for your fairness. Do you follow the Prophet?

The second most important Sunna to follow is to be Rahmatul
Aalameen (Mercy to mankind) (21:107). To be a Rahmat (Mercy) to fellow beings
who are Atheist, Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca,
Natives, Zoroastrians and others, we must be kind to them, no one should be
afraid or apprehensive of us. Should anyone be afraid of a Muslim, then we have
not followed the Sunna of the prophet.

Please note that I have stripped the title of Allama or
Maulana from all the names above. We have a habit of placing individuals next
to God, they are just like you and I, of course with more knowledge, sometimes
real, and sometimes looped up. Practicing and rehearsing the same wrong thing
over and over again does not make them perfect. We need to reserve the titles
to the Prophets; all others must be referred to just by their names with utmost
respect.

We should not be loose with titles, unless they have shown
that Allah is Rabbul Aaalamen (Universality of the Creator) and Muhammad is
Rahmatul Aalameen in their actions and words. How many of them would qualify to
be an Allama then?

All other Sunna emanates from these two basic steps, clearly
and unambiguously corroborated by the Qur'an (81:21, 21:107).

We cannot compromise on free speech, however much a few may
abuse it, but free speech is an enduring value and the hallmark of
civilization. I believe in free speech and that is the only way societies will
grow. As Muslims we need to seriously consider the gains Muslims have had, that
far outweigh the tensions given by a handful of loonies.

Islam is a universal inclusive faith, it is from Rabbul
Aalameen (creator of the universe, its prophet is Rahmatul Aalameen (Mercy to
mankind) and we should be Mukhlooqul Aalameen (Universal, all embracing
beings). Islam is about goodness and not forcing others, and not domineering
but co-existing, just as the Prophet did and proclaimed in the Madinah treaty.
Islam is about appreciating everything God has created on this universe
(55:16).

If they curse the prophet, prophet is not going to be cursed,
have the strength in your faith and return badness with Good; we know all the
examples of his work. When you hear someone curse the prophet, just say I am
sorry you feel that way, but if you wish to seek the truth, find it on your own
or I will connect you with someone who can guide you, if you don't that is your
choice and nothing will come off me or the prophet, your words do not have the
power to reduce Islam or the prophet, I will pray peace of mind to you.

Don't feel compelled to convince anyone, let go. What did
Allah say to Prophet when he was frustrated that people were not getting his
message? You do your dharma (duty) and let them have the freedom to accept.
Elsewhere God says there is no compulsion in matters of faith (2:256).

Have confidence, read what is good in Islam and ignore the
bad things others say, write, or put it in the film about Islam or its
Prophet. From the very first day of his
mission, the Prophet was criticized and the Qur'an reviled and the criticism
and revulsion only gained momentum through the medieval ages as Islam continued
to win the hearts of other people. It has come to surface again with greater
ferocity, but we the Muslims as peace makers must act peacefully.

Islam is not going anywhere, prophet is not going anywhere,
and by opening up you will enjoy your Imaan (faith) immensely with genuine
admiration for its wisdom. I thank Allah for helping me see the light and
beauty of Islam, and you can too.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, activist, pluralist and a
writer committed to building cohesive societies. More about him at
www.MikeGhouse.net

Every religion has three sets of followers:There are the fundamentalists, who believe that only they are the children of God.There are the Moderates, who believe that others could also be the children of God.There are the futurists, who believe that ALL human beings are children of God.It is when the politicians stir up the fundamentalists that violence erupts.At the grassroots level, there should be checks and balances to abort sleeper cells & indoctrination of youth by community socio religious movements.All that is on the earth will perish: But will abide forever the face of thy Lord-- full of majesty, bounty, and honor - Qur'an 55.26-27

no religion preaches intolerance. (i know little of islam, or any religion for that matter). what i am forced to wonder time and again is, why then is it that islamic extremists play a dominant role in all the terrorist activities in the world? i agree muslims have been oppressed to a large extent, in several parts of the world, and terrorism is a direct retaliation. but even in other regions, islamic extremists much outnumber others. can we really pin-point the reason for this? i am sure i am missing to see something, but i hope someone will enlighten me...

Mike, buddy, all the values you're preaching are actually Christian.Why then should you be Muslim when you can follow a religion which fits your heart so much better, without the need for fumbling between contradicting translations, such as Christianity?Based on what you wrote, what makes Islam better than Christianity?

W M C

CIVIL DIALOGUE

The people in Dallas are making an effort to understand and clean their own hearts first, when we are free from bias, it would be easy to share that with others. Islam teaches us in so many ways to "respect the otherness of others" and it is time we find simple practical ways of doing it.

SUCCESSFUL NAATIA MUSHAERA ON 2.21.14

WANTED OPEN MINDED MUSLIM

Looking for Muslims who not biased towards fellow Muslims of different denominations - to make a film about Ramadan 2014.

ABOUT US

The role of Muslims is to contribute towards the well being of humanity, to be the conflict mitigaters and goodwill nurturers. To aim for a secure world for every human. Please read the mission statement.

This group is about Muslims and their civic responsibilities, it is not about religious practices but simply about learning and creating a religious, social and civic space for themselves in the community of faiths. We do not distinguish between a Sunni, Shia, Ahmadiyya, WD Muhammad or the subsets of each group, all believe in God, the Prophet and the accountability of their actions and whoever calls himself or herself a Muslim is a Muslim to us. Currently we are blessed to have our Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Bahai, Sikh and Buddhist friends among us to learn and share their perspective. This is our world and our God collectively.

MEMBERSHIP SINCE 2003

World Muslim Congress is a think tank, all are welcome to participate in the discussions, our scope is limited and defined in our mission statement. Currently, we have 1800 Members world wide with no membership fee.

To join the group, send an email to: WorldMuslimCongress-Subscribe@yahoogroups.com

WHAT WILL MUSLIMS DO WHILE QURAN IS BURNT

It is a purposeful positive event for Americans of different faiths, races, ethnicities and other uniqueness to come together to rededicate ourselves to our pledge; One nation under God with liberty and Justice for all. We will pray for peace, prosperity and security of our nation.

Last year the event focused on the positive response of Sikh community to the Wisconsin Shooting and this year, we will focus on the positive prayerful response of Muslim community to the planned Qur'an Burning by Pastor Terry Jones in Mulberry, Florida.

Click on pictures to see larger version of the photo

RSVP- ConfirmAttendance@gmail.comContact information - at the bottomPROGRAM DETAILSPictures indicate for visualization of the program as was done in Dallas, Texas We honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution, and have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to prevail for the common good of the world. We hope, our mercy based message will remind those few Muslims elsewhere in the world that violence is not the way. We believe it may bring a change in the attitudes of followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety.

Please join us for a life changing event, you will fall in love with the idea that all of us Americans will come together as Americans and nothing but Americans. While we have our identity, we look to each other as American and rededicate ourselves to our pledge; one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.

You will be a part of history in creating a model behavior in dealing with conflicts and building a cohesive America, where no American has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.The 10th Annual event is moved to Mulberry, Florida - for a singular purpose - to mitigate possible apprehensions generated by the planned burning of 2998 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013. We hope the event restores our faith in the cohesiveness of America, and we the people will go on about our business of living our daily lives.The full press release: http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2013/08/planned-muslim-response-to-quran_18.html

WE WILL GATHER;

to be together as Americans

to express our gratitude to our men and women in uniform

to honor individuals who have contributed to the well being of Mulberry, Florida

to emphasize and appreciate diversity represented by America.

to cherish the otherness of others.

to commit to be good neighbors

to rededicate our pledge to the peace, prosperity and security of America

Please join us with your family and friends to be together as Americans. Your presence is a valuable expression of unity. Along with our elected officials, civic, religious and business leaders, you help fulfill our common values and aspirations. Your presence fortifies our commitment to a pluralistic America.

As Americans, and as American of all hues, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all”.

On this Unity Day USA, we, the people of the United States of America of every faith, race and ethnicity, will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, safety, prosperity and the well being of our nation.

PROGRAM: FLAG CEREMONY

NATIONAL ANTHEM

(Preferably joined in by members of at least 7 faith traditions, if not all)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

To be led by the Hon. Mayor George Hatch of Mulberry

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Acknowledgement of dignitaries- Suzanne

Thanking key volunteers - Curtis

Thanking the Media- Butch

Appreciating the sponsors - Lynn

PURPOSE

Purpose - a new positive approach to conflict mitigation and rededicating to our pledge – one nation under God with Liberty and Justice for all- Mike

Mayors, Police and Fire chiefs, and Civic Leaders to share 3 minutes each – about their responsibility in treating each citizen with respect and dignity

HONORING THE ACTIVISTS

Those who have stood up for others

SPIRITUAL LEADERS

All-inclusive spiritual leaders will be on stage representing each tradition, and lighting a candle of the next, a symbolic gesture to be the light to others. Every available religious American representation in Polk County will be accommodated. This is not about sermons but about being together as Americans. Please beware, it is about Americans and included in the group will be Atheists, Pagans and other non-religious traditions.

PEACE PLEDGE

I will I will speak up when there is injustice.

I will speak up when truth is not spoken.

I will make my words and my actions mitigate conflicts.

I will do my share in nurturing goodwill for the benefit of all.

I will do my share of peace work, without looking for others

I will do respect the God given uniqueness of each individual.

I will do my best to live and let others live their way.

I will do my best to nurture goodwill in everything I do.

SPECIAL MUSLIM PRAYER

( 3-4 Minutes)Muslim prayers and supplication for the safety and security and unity of our nation. Pray for the well being of all Americans, and seek forgiveness for all of us, and may God guide Reverend Terry Jones to become a be blessed peace maker. Pray for the goodwill of the people of Polk county and Mulberry City, and pray for a cohesive America, where no American needs to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear or fellow Americans.

Please donate to defray the costs. All donors over $100 will be listed on this site. If one or two individuals want to sponsor, we would really welcome it. It will save us time. Donate athttp://americatogetherfoundation.com/donate/ MESSAGES - PRESS RELEASES

We as Muslims plan to respond to pastor Terry Jones' planned burning of 3000 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013 in positive terms.

Our response - we will reclaim the standard of behavior practiced by the Prophet concerning “scurrilous and hostile criticism of the Qur’an” (Muhammad Asad Translation Note 31, verse 41:34). It was "To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil." It is also strongly enjoined in the Qur’an in the same verse 41:34, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.”

God willing Muslims will follow the divine guidance and pray for the restoration of Goodwill, and on that day many Muslim organizations will go on a “blood drive” to save lives and serve humanity with kindness.

We invite fellow Americans of all faiths, races, and ethnicities to join us to rededicate the pledge, “One nation under God”, and to build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of fellow Americans. This event is a substitute for our 10th Annual Unity Day Celebration (www.UnitydayUSA.com) held in Dallas, but now it will be at Mulberry, Florida.

Unwittingly Pastor Jones has done us a favor by invigorating us by his decision to burn nearly 3000 copies Quran on September 11, 2013. Obviously he is not satisfied by the notoriety he garnered by burning one Qur'an last year.

As Muslims and citizens we honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution. We have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones' freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to permeate in our society.

We plan to follow Jesus Christ (pbuh), a revered prophet in Islam as well as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – that of mitigating the conflicts and nurturing good will for the common good of the society.

We hope, this event and the message will remind Muslims elsewhere in the world as well, that violence is not the way. Muslims, who react violently to senseless provocation, should realize that, violence causes more violence, and besmirches the name of the religion that we hold so dear. We believe that Prophet Muhammad was a mercy to the mankind, and we ought to practice what we believe and preach. We must not insult Islam by the negative reactions of a few.

We can only hope it will bring about a change in the attitude of the followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety – We hope this small step towards a bridge to peaceful coexistence would propel us towards building a cohesive society.

Like most Americans a majority of Muslims quietly go about their own business, but it is time to speak up and take positive action instead of negative reaction. May this message of peace and goodwill reverberate and reach many shores.

Lastly, we appreciate the Citizens of Mulberry, Florida, Honorable Mayor George Hatch, City Commissioners, police and Fire Chiefs for handing this situation very well. This will add a ‘feather of peace’ in the City’s reputation. We hope Mulberry will be a catalyst in showing the way in handling conflict with dignity and peace.

We thank the Media for giving value to the work towards peace rather than conflict.

We as Muslims plan to respond to pastor Terry Jones' planned burning of 3000 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013 in positive terms.

Our response - we will reclaim the standard of behavior practiced by the Prophet concerning “scurrilous and hostile criticism of the Qur’an” (Muhammad Asad Translation Note 31, verse 41:34). It was "To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil." It is also strongly enjoined in the Qur’an in the same verse 41:34, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.”

God willing Muslims will follow the divine guidance and pray for the restoration of Goodwill, and on that day many Muslim organizations will go on a “blood drive” to save lives and serve humanity with kindness.

We invite fellow Americans of all faiths, races, and ethnicities to join us to rededicate the pledge, “One nation under God”, and to build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of fellow Americans. This event is a substitute for our 10th Annual Unity Day Celebration (www.UnitydayUSA.com) held in Dallas, but now it will be at Mulberry, Florida.

Unwittingly Pastor Jones has done us a favor by invigorating us by his decision to burn nearly 3000 copies Quran on September 11, 2013. Obviously he is not satisfied by the notoriety he garnered by burning one Qur'an last year.

As Muslims and citizens we honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution. We have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones' freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to permeate in our society.

We plan to follow Jesus Christ (pbuh), a revered prophet in Islam as well as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – that of mitigating the conflicts and nurturing good will for the common good of the society.

We hope, this event and the message will remind Muslims elsewhere in the world as well, that violence is not the way. Muslims, who react violently to senseless provocation, should realize that, violence causes more violence, and besmirches the name of the religion that we hold so dear. We believe that Prophet Muhammad was a mercy to the mankind, and we ought to practice what we believe and preach. We must not insult Islam by the negative reactions of a few.

We can only hope it will bring about a change in the attitude of the followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety – We hope this small step towards a bridge to peaceful coexistence would propel us towards building a cohesive society.

Like most Americans a majority of Muslims quietly go about their own business, but it is time to speak up and take positive action instead of negative reaction. May this message of peace and goodwill reverberate and reach many shores.

Lastly, we appreciate the Citizens of Mulberry, Florida, Honorable Mayor George Hatch, City Commissioners, police and Fire Chiefs for handing this situation very well. This will add a ‘feather of peace’ in the City’s reputation. We hope Mulberry will be a catalyst in showing the way in handling conflict with dignity and peace.

We thank the Media for giving value to the work towards peace rather than conflict.